Oct. 3, 2003 – FirstBank Virgin Islands announced this week it is accepting applications from local organizations from Oct. 1 – 31 for its annual Neighborhood Grant Program.
FirstBank VI will award up to $2,000 each to organizations that are currently recognized as non-profit and tax exempt by the United States IRS under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Applications will be accepted in the following categories: Community Development and Human Services, Pre- Collegiate Education, and Arts & Culture, according to a release from the bank.
In the last seven years, the Neighborhood Grant Program has donated over $350,000 to local charities. In 2002, FirstBank VI contributed to 28 different organizations throughout the territory, the release stated.
The Neighborhood Grant Program is part of FirstBank's continuing commitment to the Virgin Islands community.
FirstBank is proud to have a dedicated Community Reinvestment Act team to benefit the Virgin Islands by participating in such programs, as well as being a supporter of numerous financial education initiatives, seminars and conferences.
Karen Sprauve, assistant vice president and member of the FirstBank Reinvestment Act team, said, "Over the years, the Neighborhood Grant Program has opened our eyes to the array of extraordinarily creative initiatives employed by recipient organizations that enhance our community and enrich our people."
Sprauve said, "FirstBank is honored to provide this funding to support our community at its heart."
The grant program is "an anchor of FirstBank's Community Reinvestment plan," according to Maria Conor-Freeman, bank vice president and team member.
" We believe strongly in being engaged in the community at all levels, she said, " especially in making funding available where the impact can be immediate."
Applications for the Neighborhood Grant Program are available at all FirstBank VI branches on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix and must be postmarked no later than October 31, 2003. An application can also be accessed by clicking here. It can then be printed out, completed and mailed to the address on the application.
